Gambhir backs Harshit Rana as Srikkanth questions India's XI

A public dispute over the selection of pacer Harshit Rana has escalated within India’s cricketing fraternity ahead of the white-ball tour of Australia beginning October 19, drawing interventions from coach Gautam Gambhir, former players and pundits after former opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth questioned Rana’s place in the ODI and T20I squads. The debate intensified following India’s seven-wicket loss to Australia in the opening ODI at Optus Stadium in Perth, when Srikkanth renewed calls for changes to the playing XI.

Srikkanth had suggested that Rana’s repeated inclusion reflected a close association with Gambhir, who worked with Rana at Kolkata Knight Riders during IPL 2024. Gambhir publicly rejected the criticism, calling the tone of the comments unacceptable without naming Srikkanth directly. Former offspinner Ravichandran Ashwin joined in defending Rana, saying critics were being unduly personal and asking whether those voices would be as quick to praise the young bowler if he succeeded. Ashwin also praised Gambhir for standing behind his players.

Rana, 23, made his international debut late last year and has quickly featured across formats. He has taken 19 wickets in 10...